Exercise or Training Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus including an upright portion, a base portion attached to the upright portion, support means connectable to the upright portion for supporting multiple punching pads, wherein said multiple punching pads are positioned to enable a user to direct different types of punches to the punching pads.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an exercise or training apparatus, particularly adapted for boxing, that has a number of adjustable components that provide an improved experience while the user is training or using the apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Existing methods and apparatuses used for boxing training typically involve a second person with a boxing mitt on one or both hands to which the person training performs short jabs by hitting the mitts with either hand. There also exist fixed stands that have pads attached in various orientations or positions to which a user can hit using various types of punches. Another method includes the user, on their own, punching a heavy padded bag that hangs from a structure.

Disadvantages with these existing methods and apparatuses is that using another person to train against, having one or both mitts fitted to their hands, can be an additional cost to the person training while the fixed stands or punching bags have no flexibility for the user to perform different exercises and drills.

The present invention seeks to overcome the above disadvantages by providing a boxing training apparatus that enables flexibility to the user in providing multiple routines, exercises and drills through an array of positions for various components on the apparatus. There is also the facility to enable a second person to train on the same apparatus so that each person training can experience, through their training regime, as close as possible to a real-life situation in a boxing ring.

The present invention also improves on existing boxing apparatus by providing additional components that improve the exercise routines of the user and not just necessarily associated with boxing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus including an upright portion; a base portion attached to the upright portion; a plurality of punching pads; and support means connectable to the upright portion for supporting said plurality of punching pads; wherein said plurality of punching pads are positioned to enable a user to direct different types of punches to the punching pads.

Preferably the support means is a cross member adapted to connect to the upright portion transversely in one of several positions along said upright portion. The cross member may have a central portion and first and second arms extending from said central portion, each of the central portion and first and second arms adapted to retain said punching pads in different positions thereon.

Preferably the support means is at least one swing arm adapted to pivot with respect to a connection point to the upright portion, said at least one swing arm adapted to retain said punching pads in different positions thereon.

In a further embodiment, the support means includes a cross member, adapted to connect to the upright portion transversely in one of several positions along said upright portion, and further includes at least one swing arm adapted to pivot with respect to a connection point to the upright portion, said at least one swing arm adapted to retain said punching pads in different positions thereon.

The apparatus preferably further includes at least one resistance member attachable between a respective swing arm and the upright portion, said at least one resistance member being resilient such that after movement of the swing arm, by the user punching a pad attached to the swing arm, the swing arm is able to return to its former position.

Preferably each resistance member is adapted to be placed at different positions on the upright portion in order to change the resistance of the swing arm to move. The apparatus may further include resilient element means fitted to the base portion to enable the upright portion to deflect about a pivot point in one direction and in an opposite direction when the user hits the punching pads, each of said directions being transverse to a longitudinal axis of the upright portion.

Preferably the base portion has two longitudinal portions substantially parallel to one another, with one of the portions pivotable about a pivot point adjacent where the upright portion attaches to the base portion, the resilient element means preferably formed of a spring located at each end of the longitudinal portions and connecting the longitudinal portions together, so that the upright portion is able to move in said one direction and said opposite direction when the user is using the apparatus.

The apparatus may further include stopper means that can be variably located between the two longitudinal portions of the base portion to alter the degree to which the upright portion rotationally moves in said one direction and said opposite direction.

The apparatus may further include a bench and a pair of foot rests adapted to fit to the upright portion to enable a user to perform an exercise to work the user's abdominal region and hit or punch any one or more of the punching pads in one routine.

The routine can be the user hooking his/her feet against a respective foot rest, lying back on the top surface of the bench that is inclined, the user then sitting up and punching the pads and then lying back again against the top surface of the bench and repeating the routine.

Preferably the upright portion is a stand and has first and second upright bars substantially parallel to one another and extending from the base portion, said apparatus further including a series of rods connectable in a series of positions transverse to and between the upright bars.

Each resistance member may be attached between one rod in said series of rods and a clip located on one of the swing arms.

The apparatus may further include a duck arm assembly fitted to said at least one swing arm, said duck assembly adapted to move when said at least one swing arm moves by pivoting with respect to the upright portion.

The duck arm assembly preferably has an elbow and locating plate at an end that is fitted to the at least one swing arm, said locating plate having a series of apertures that enable connection of the duck arm assembly to the at least one swing arm and resulting in different orientations of the duck arm assembly.

The at least one swing arm preferably has one or more punching pads connected thereto arranged on either side of the connection point to the upright portion, such that two users are able to stand on opposite sides of the upright portion and alternately hit respective punching pads.

The apparatus may further include a stay connected to the upright portion at an inclined angle and having a joint at either or both ends that enables slight movement of the stay when the apparatus is used by a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be hereinafter described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a side view of the boing apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A with the addition of an inclined exercise bench attached to the apparatus;

FIG. 2B is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, set up without a cross member and with a duck arm assembly;

FIG. 3B is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of a duck arm assembly;

FIG. 3E is an end view of the duck arm assembly of FIG. 3D;

FIG. 3F is a side view of the duck arm assembly of FIG. 3D;

FIG. 3G is an underneath view of the duck arm assembly of FIG. 3D;

FIG. 3H is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 3A showing punching pads arranged orthogonally on each swing arm;

FIG. 3I is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 3H;

FIG. 3J is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 3H;

FIG. 3K is a perspective view of a swing arm used in the apparatus of any one of FIGS. 3A and 3H;

FIG. 3L is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 3A having a floor mounting arrangement for securing the apparatus to a ground surface;

FIG. 3M is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 3L;

FIG. 3N is a detailed and enlarged rear perspective view of the floor mounting arrangement shown in FIG. 3L and identified by the circle labelled “A”;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A that is set up for use by two people with pads located on swing arm assemblies on either side of a central upright portion in the form of a vertical stand;

FIG. 4B is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a double swing arm used in the apparatus of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a detailed and enlarged view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A showing a cross member located on an upper end thereof and with a pair of swing arm assemblies and a duck arm assembly;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1A indicating side-to-side motion directions when a user uses the apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of various sizes of resistance members that are used with the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the apparatus similar to FIG. 3A;

FIG. 8B is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is an enlarged detailed view of a rose joint located at the base of a rear adjustable stay which provides support to the upright standing member of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 8D is an enlarged perspective view of a side-spring member on the base of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 8E is an enlarged rear view designated by “A” in FIG. 8G, showing further detail on a support stay and its connection to the apparatus;

FIG. 8F is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A with a duck arm assembly attached;

FIG. 8G is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 8F;

FIG. 9A is an enlarged sectional view of a mid-portion of the upright portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1A where a swing arm assembly connects to the upright portion;

FIG. 9B is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 10A is a perspective exploded view of components of a punching pad; and

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the components of FIG. 10A in assembled form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C there is shown exercise apparatus 10, particularly made for boxing training and exercise, which includes a vertical upright portion 12, in the form of a stand, connected to a base portion 14 through a pivoting joint 160. The portions 12 and 14 are supported by support member 16, attached to the base portion 14, and by stay 20. One end 21 of stay 20 is connected to a rod 62 between substantially parallel upright bars 22 and 24 of the upright portion 12 and a second end 23 is connected through a rose joint at the connection assembly formed by support member 16 and bar 18 connected to an outer end of the support member 16. The support arrangement is adjustable in that the stay 20 can be connected at various positions along the upright portion 12. A support means, in the form of an adjustable cross member 30 is connected transversely to the upright portion 12 and can be moved up or down and secured to the portion 12, through suitable fastening devices, according to the preferences of the user. The cross member 30 has first and second arms 31, 33 which extend outwardly from a central portion 35 which is connected to the upright portion 12. Fitted at various locations across the cross member 30 are a serious of punching pads 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40. They are connected to the cross member 30 at the rear of each pad through retaining (lobe) nuts 80 which provide a convenient hand grip to tighten and loosen the pads. Located above the cross member 30 is support means in the form of a pair of swing arms 42 and 44 that respectively pivot at connection point 82 to respective upright bars 22 and 24 of the upright portion 12. At one end 37 of arm 42 there are connected respective pads 46 and 48 while at an outer end 41 of arm 44 there is connected a further pair of pads 50 and 52. Any impact to the pads 46, 48, 50 or 52 deflects the arms 42 and 44 upwards and backwards in a controlled manner, under the control of respective elastic or resistance members 53 (see FIGS. 1C and 3A), 54, 56 and 58. The deflection stretches the respective elastic resistance members and through the elastic nature of those members, the pads and the arms 42 and 44 return to their original positions after the hit or deflection from the user. Elastic resistance member 54 is connected at an upper end 39 to a clip 55, which is attached to an opposite end 43 of arm 44 to where the pads 50 and 52 are connected at end 41. The lower end 45 of the elastic member 54 is connected to rod 64 but can equally be connected to any one of the rods 62, 66 or 68 which are connected transversely to each of the upright bars 22 and 24 of portion 12. The elastic member 56 is connected at an upper end 47 to rod 72 (see FIG. 1C), but can equally be connected to rod 70. At a lower end 49 the elastic member 56 is connected to the upper portion of the clip 55 which is connected to arm 44. Similarly, elastic member 58 is connected between another end of rod 72 (at upper end 51 of member 58) and clip 57 (lower end 59 of member 58) which is connected to arm 42 at an opposite end 63 to which pads 46 and 48 are connected at end 37. A further elastic member 53 (shown in FIG. 1B) connects, at its upper end 69 (not shown), to a lower part of clip 57 and at its lower end 71 to an end of rod 64 nearest to the upright bar 22. Bracing element 60 joins the top ends of bars 22 and 24 to one another.

A base board 26 provides additional support for the upright portion 12. It is supported by rubber (buffer) feet 98, 89 and 100 and is connected to the base portion 14 at connection assembly 28. Rubber feet 92 and 94 support the base portion 14.

A user can punch the various pads in various combinations. For example, pads 32 and 34 can receive a right hook while pads 38 and 40 can receive a left hook. Pad 36, which is directly in front of the user, can be used for a left jab or a cross from the right arm. When the user hits the pads 32 and 34 left it will force the apparatus 10 to tilt slightly to the left, up to 4 degrees deviation from the vertical axis 57 of the stand 12. This is assisted by other elements, such as stoppers 86 and 88, that are fixed in one of multiple positions between a pair of longitudinal portions or rails 93 and 95 of the base portion 14. Resilient element means in the form of springs 97 and 99 that are located at opposite ends 111 and 113 of the base portion 14, enable resilient movement of the frame 10 rotationally left or right about pivot point 160, up to 4 degrees either side of axis 57, depending on which pads the user has punched. For example, if the user does a left hook and punches pads 38 and 40 then the whole unit 10 will move slightly in one direction to the right, up to 4 degrees, as is seen in FIG. 1B and this creates a rocking effect (right to left and left to right with alternate left and right hooks) which adds or enhances the experience of the user. The extent to which the apparatus 10 rocks to the left (opposite direction) or right (said one direction) is dictated by the position by the rubber elements 86 and 88. The closer they are positioned to connection point 28 the greater the movement will be.

The user in hitting any one of the pads 46, 48, 50 or 52, such as using an uppercut with either arm will move the respective arms 42 and 44 backwardly and upwardly away from the user. As mentioned previously the rubber elastic elements such as 53, 54, 56 and 58 enable the arms 42 and 44 to move back to their original position after the pads have been hit.

Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C there is shown the apparatus 10 fitted with an exercise bench 102 that is inclined at an angle from a ground surface at its lower (first) end 103 and connected to the upright portion 12 at its upper (second) end 105 on any one of rods 62 to 68. A handle 123 (FIG. 2C) near upper end 105 assists the user to make this connection. At the upper end 105 there is a portion 107 which extends from end 105 and has a hook 109 which can easily hook on to any one of the rods 62 to 68 seen in FIG. 2B. It is shown hooked on to rod 68 in FIG. 2B. A user can undertake a different boxing exercise but also exercise his/her abdominal muscles and leg muscles at the same time. The user will typically mount the bench 102 by sitting at the upper end 105 and putting his or her feet underneath cylindrical pads or foot rests 104 and 106 which are also attached to respective upright bars 22, 24 of the upright portion 12 and are adjustable to the user's comfort. Therefore the back of the knees of the user are resting against end 105 and, to exercise, the user can lean backwards so that his/her back or lumbar region is against the top surface 101 of the bench 102. With each exercise the user can do a sit-up from the lying down position against the surface 101 of bench 102 and proceed to undertake a series of punches such as a right hook to pads 32 and 34 or a left hook into pads 38 and 40 or alternatively a left jab or cross hit to any one of pads 34, 36 or 40. The cross-member 30 can be adjusted to a particular height where the user is in the sitting position to make it easier to hit the pads. It is possible to use the upper pads 46, 48 and 50 and 52. The user then returns to a lying down position on the bench 102 and repeats the process in a series of short bursts. As the user performs the routine, the apparatus 10 including the upright portion 12 and the bench 102 rocks left and right about pivot bolt 160 acting as a fulcrum as the portion or rail 93 moves assisted by springs 97 and 99. The pivot bolt 160 extends through front guard plate 83, upper rail 93 and rear guard plate 85 (FIG. 8C).

Two people can use the apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, with one person using the bench 102 and the other person standing on an opposite side of the apparatus to where the bench 102 is set up. An additional cross member 30 and/or additional swing arms 42 and 44 would be set up to the right of the upright portion 12, as seen in FIG. 2C, so as not to interfere with the person using the bench 102.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C there is shown the apparatus 10 with an additional modification being a duck arm assembly 110. The assembly 110 is attached to either swing arm 42 or 44 (also referred to in FIG. 5 ), through an elbow 114 and locating plate 112 to the back of one of the pads, in this example, pad 50. The arm member 110 can be fitted or connected to the end of the arm 44 or 42, through the locating plate 112, in multiple positions in order to give a different orientation or position of the arm 110. This is done by selecting a desirable aperture 121, from up to seven such apertures, on locating plate 112, fitted to end 115 of swing arm 44. Selecting different apertures 121 provides a different angular position of the arm member 110. The duck arm member 110 can be fitted in eight different positions, through the apertures. In FIGS. 3D to 3G, there is shown the duck arm assembly 110 on its own. It includes support tube 108 to which is fitted a deformable sleeve 135, such as a foam noodle to provides protection against a user in case the assembly 110 makes contact with the user. One end of support tube 108 is connected, such as by welding, to elbow 114. A punching pad hole 125 is used secure the locating plate 112 directly to the punching pad and swing arm through a bolt 216 (see FIG. 10B) of the punching pad, which is then tightened by a lobe nut. The duck arm assembly 110 can be positioned in one of seven orientations, provided through the apertures 121, before tightening the lobe nut that secures the punching pad to the respective swing arm. A locating or locking pin 230 is shown that has been inserted into the desired aperture 121 and, for example, a further aperture on swing arm 44 (see FIG. 3K). Other locating or locking pins 236, 254 or 258 on swing arm 132 (see FIG. 4D) are shown inserted into corresponding apertures on swing arm 132 to lock the locating plate 112 and the duck arm assembly 110 in position.

When a user punches, for example, pad 50 which is connected to swing arm 44 and to which also the arm 110 is connected, the swing arm 44 will move upwardly and backwardly. When the swing arm 44 returns to its normal position, the duck arm 110 will be projected downwardly towards the user. It is up to the user to avoid the downwardly moving duck arm 110 with quick reflexes. More clearly seen in FIG. 5 is the connection of lobe nuts 116 that attach each of the pads to the cross member 30.

Referring to FIGS. 3H, 3I, 3J and 3K, the punching pads 46 and 48 on swing arm 42 are shown orthogonal to one another while punching pads 50 and 52 on swing arm 44 are also shown orthogonal to each another. At an outer end 115 (FIG. 3K) of swing arm 44 there is an aperture 222 on face 223 and an aperture 224 (not shown) on face 227 (not shown). Both apertures 222 and 224 can be used to mount a bolt 216 associated with either punching pad 50 or 52 so that the pad can be facing the user, such as pad 50 in FIG. 3H, or at right angles to receive a hook punch from a user, such as pad 52 shown in FIG. 3H but mounted in aperture 222. Similarly on face 229 of the arm 44, there is aperture 228 for receiving a pad bolt while on face 225 there is an aperture 226 for receiving a pad bolt. Thus pad 50 can be mounted using aperture 222 or 224, while pad 52 can be mounted using aperture 226 or 228. However due to limited space, a pad cannot be used through aperture 226 while a separate pad is used through aperture 222. A locating or locking pin 230 is shown on face 229, that is positioned through any one of apertures 121 and a corresponding aperture on face 229, to affix the duck member 110 is a particular configuration. A similar arrangement exists to that described above with the connection of pads 46 and 48 to swing arm 42.

Referring to FIGS. 3L, 3M and 3N there is shown a pair of ground mountings 277 and 279, with the mounting 277 enlarged in FIG. 3N. The mounting 277 is secured to lower portion or rail 95 of the base portion 14. Threaded bolt 280 is positioned through a hole in the rail 95 and secures a vertical portion 281 of an angle bracket 278 through nut 282 on bolt 280. A horizontal portion 283 of angle bracket 278 has secured thereto a rubber foot or pad 284. An aperture 286 extends through the horizontal portion 283 and the rubber foot or pad 284. This is to receive a ground or floor bolt to secure the mounting 277 and the apparatus 10 to a ground surface, so that the apparatus cannot tip over while in use. Similar features apply to the other ground mounting 279. Installation of the ground mountings 277, 279 and floor bolt is optional and not necessary is most situations. They would be recommended for heavy hitting/punching users or in a gymnasium environment.

Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C there is shown the apparatus 10 set up to enable two users at the same time to use the apparatus 10. A user stands on either side of the upright member 12 and is able to utilise a set of pads on either side of the upright member 12 and use the pads interactively. Each of swing arms 130 and 132, termed double swing arms, are respectively attached to upright bars 22 and 24 of the upright stand 12. The arms 130 and 132 are able to pivot about the respective bars 22 and 24 at connection points 131 and 133. A user standing on the near side, when hitting pads 118 and 120 attached to or near an outer end 73 of arm 130, will force movement of the pads 122 and 124, located at or near an opposite end 75 of arm 130. This is possible due to the pivoting action of the arm 130 and the elastic members 134 and 144 as well as elastic members 140 and 148. The user on the other side can hit or punch pads 122 and 124 which will do the reverse action forcing movement in pads 118 and 120 due to the pivoting arm 130 and the various elastic members 134, 140, 144 and 148. The process continues back and forth between the two users. Each of these elastic members assist in relocating the arm 130 to its original position when not being used.

A similar process happens with the user on the near side when hitting pads 127 and 129 which are connected to or near one end 77 of the arm 132. Due to the pivoting nature of the arm 132 and the use of the elastic members 136 and 142 this will force movement in the oppositely positioned pads 126 and 128 for the other user at or near the end 79 of arm 132. The other user can then hit those pads 126 and 128 to cause movement in the arm 132 and the pads 127 and 129. The process can continue on as often as possible back and forth between the two users. The elastic members 138 and 146, and elastic members 142 and 136, assist in relocating the arm 132 to its original position when not being used.

Although not shown in FIG. 4A a series of duck arm members, such as 110 shown in FIG. 5 , can be used to provide the user in practicing agility and reflex actions when the motion of the raised duck arms approaches the user and particularly his/her head. Thus the user, when hitting on the near side any one of pads 118, 120, 127 and 129, through the respective arms 130 and 132, will cause duck arms attached to the arms 130 and 132 on the other side to move downwardly to which the other user has to evade. This can continuously happen as long as both users are using and punching the various pads. Located on an upper side of swing arm 132, either side of connection point 133, is a protuberance 137 and 139, respectively. The protuberances are positioned there to hit against a bumper component 200 (see FIG. 9A) connected to upright portion 24 above connection point 133. This is so that the swing arm 132 is limited in its angular movement when a user hits pads 127 and 129 or pads 126 and 128 so as not to be damaged or interfere with another component on apparatus 10 and not to hit an upper part of upright portion 12. Located on an upper side of swing arm 130, either side of connection point 113, is a protuberance 141 and 143 (obscured), respectively. The protuberances are positioned there to hit against a bumper component 200 (see FIG. 9A) connected to upright portion 22 above connection point 131. This is so that the swing arm 130 is limited in its angular movement when a user hits pads 118 and 120 or pads 122 and 124 so as not to be damaged or interfere with other components on apparatus 10 and not to hit an upper part of upright portion 12. Although the protuberances are shown set up for two users on the swing arms, it can be set on the swing arms for just one user as in FIG. 1A. A cross member may be set up to face either or both the users so that they are able to perform other punches such as left and right hooks in addition to hitting the pads shown in FIG. 4A.

Although not shown in any of FIGS. 4A to 4C, a duck arm assembly 110 can be fitted in any desired location on the swing arms 130 and 132, on one or both sides of the upright portion 12, to be used by one or two users simultaneously, as previously described.

In FIG. 4D there is shown one of the double swing arms 132. It has a central section 268 through which connection point 133 enables connection of the arm 132 to upright bar 24. Extending from one end of central section 268 is a first section 266, angled with respect to the central section 268. A further second section 264 extends at an angle from the first section 266 terminating in end 260. Extending from an opposite end of the central section 268 is a third section 270, angled with respect to the central section 268. A further fourth section 272 extends at an angle from the third section 270 terminating in end 262. A bolt 216 of a punching pad can be inserted and secured to section 264 through either apertures 234 and 238, being at right angles to one another. If a duck arm 110 is required then locating or locking pin 236 may be used. Similarly a bolt 216 of a punching pad can be inserted and secured to section 266 through either apertures 246 (not shown) and 244, being orthogonal to each other. A duck arm 110 can also be used. On section 272, the bolt 216 of a punching pad can be used to secure the pad to the section 272 using either of apertures 256 and 274, both at right angles. If a duck arm 110 is required then locating or locking pin 258 may be used. Similarly a bolt 216 of a punching pad can be inserted and secured to section 270 through either apertures 252 and 276, being orthogonal to each other. A duck arm 110 can also be used and secured via a locating or locking pin 254. Separate clips 240 and 242 are used to attach elastic members 136 and 142, while separate clips 248 and 250 are used to attach elastic members 146 and 138 respectively. All of the above features equally apply to the other double swing arm 130.

With reference to FIG. 6 there is shown a front view of the apparatus 10 which can move right in one direction and left, in an opposite direction, while the user is using the apparatus. This provides a better experience for the person whilst training. In particular, on impact with pads 32 and 34 the apparatus 10 including the stand 12 generally moves a short way to the left. Impact with pads 38 and 40 generally move the apparatus 10 a short angular distance to the right. A pivot bolt 160 connects the stand 12 to the base portion 14. The movement of the upright stand 12, with respect to the base portion 14, is done through this pivot bolt 160. The movement left and right through arc 163 (shown by arrow) is enabled through the pivot bolt 160 and the spring elements 97 and 99 located at each end of the base portion 14. Repositioning the stoppers 86 and 88 can change the degree to which the apparatus 10 rotates left or right as previously explained.

Referring to FIG. 7 there is shown differently sized elastic members that fit to the swing arms. The elastic member 150 is the largest having an approximate perimeter of 600 mm, a thickness of 4.5 mm, a width of 29 mm and the ability to pull 25-75 pounds of pressure. The middle elastic member 152 has a perimeter also of 600 mm and thickness of 4.5 mm, but a width of 19 mm and a pull force of 18-65 pounds pressure. The smallest of the elastic members 154 also has the same perimeter and thickness of the other two but a width of 13 mm and a pull force of 13-35 pounds pressure.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8G, and in particular with reference to FIGS. 8C and 8D, there are respectively shown detailed drawings of, firstly, the joint between stay 20 and the connection assembly formed at bars 16 and 18 (referenced by a circle and denoted by CA′ in FIG. 8B) and, secondly, one of the side springs located between the bars 93 and 95 that make up the base portion 14.

Referring to FIG. 8A it shows a perspective view of the apparatus 10 while FIG. 8B is a rear view of the apparatus 10 showing the stay 20 connecting the upright stand 12 to the base portion 14. The bar 18 connects perpendicularly to support bar 16 and has rubber pads 182 and 184 on a rear surface which protects other objects that the apparatus 10 may come up against. It also has a foot 186 underneath to provide stability for the stand 12. To provide additional stability to the apparatus 10 the stay 20 is connected, at a lower end 23, to both bars 16 and 18 through the connection arrangement 165, including a rose joint 167. It has a pair of side walls 172 and 174 that secures the bars 16 and 18 together, through suitable fasteners. An aperture exists between each of the side walls 172 and 174 through which the rose joint 167 is provided. The outer casing 168 of the connection arrangement 165 connects to a member 166 which is internally threaded and is able to be threaded along shaft 164, which has a right-hand thread. The connection arrangement 165 includes a ball swivel (not shown) which is housed within the portion 168. A bolt 170 having head 180 and nut 178 secured on the threaded shaft 176, which is formed at an outer end of the bolt 170, is able to be inserted through an opening in the ball swivel which is able to move within the casing 168. This enables the connection arrangement 165 to move and allow movement of the stand 12 left and right due to the flexibility of the rose joint 167. The length of the stay 20 can be adjusted through the use of right-hand threaded nut 162 which is threaded on bolt 164 and left-handed lock nut 153 (see FIG. 8E). The upper end 21 (FIGS. 8B and 8E) of stay 20 connects to rod 62 through a T-section or T-bar 145. Cross part 147 connects through upright bars 24 and 22 to members 157 and 159, acting similar to a rod, while the stem 149 of the T-bar having a left-hand threaded portion 151 to which connects to a corresponding threaded portion at the top of the stay through left-hand thread nut 153. Adjustment of the stay 20 is possible through the lock nuts 162 and 153. The rose joint 167 allows the stand 12 and the apparatus 10 the flexibility to move when the user is punching any one of the punching pads either from a standing position or a sitting position on bench 102. The main shaft of the stay (outer casing) can be gripped and rotated to adjust the length of the stay 20. With the bottom thread on shaft 164 being right-handed and the top thread on the stem of the T-connection being left-handed, this enables the upright portion or stand 12 to be adjusted and locked into position.

With regard to FIG. 8D there is shown more detail of one of the resilient means in the form of a spring 99 which is fitted to end 113 of the base portion 14. The spring 99 is fitted between two cylindrical bosses 117 and 119 respectively located on portions 93 and 95 of the base portion 14. Both springs 99 and 97 enable the upper portion 93 of base portion 14 to rotate about pivot joint 160, left to right to left continually as used by a user. The stand 12 can move within the 8-degree arc 163 previously described and return to its original position after such movement and when not in use. The arc 163 need not be limited to 8 degrees (4 degrees either side of axis 57) but can be any other suitable range from 1 degree each side to 6 degrees each side. The rubber stopper 88 is connectable between the portions 93 and 95 through a number of apertures 91, and is shown connected through aperture 91 b. Adjusting the position of the rubber stopper 88 (and also stopper 86 at the other end 111 of the base portion 14), by using the apertures 91, provides a variable degree of movement of the portion 93 compared to portion 95. By placing the rubber stopper 88 in the near most aperture 91 c provides the least flexible movement between portion 93 compared to portion 95. Placing the rubber stopper 88 in aperture 91 a provides greater movement of the portion 93 compared to portion 95 so that more angular movement is achievable with the movement of the portion 93 of the stand 12 left and right as described in relation to FIG. 6 .

With regard to the orientation of the detailed view in FIG. 8D, when the portion 93 and therefore the stand 12 move left, portion 93 moves downwardly at end 111, and compresses spring 97 and extends spring 99. When the stand 12 moves to the right and therefore portion 93 moves downwards at the end 113, spring 99 is compressed while spring 97 is extended. Both springs 97 and 99 enable the return to the original position of base portion 14 when the stand 12 is not moving in the arc 163 previously described.

With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, there is shown in FIG. 9A a perspective view of a mid-section of upright stand 12 of apparatus 10. The view is taken on a section through A-A in FIG. 9B. FIG. 9A specifically shows details of a swing arm attachment area 300 (see FIG. 5 ) where the connection points 131, 133 enable attachment of swing arms 130, 132 (or 42, 44) to upright bars 22 and 24. Above and below the connection points 131 and 133, there are shown details on the connection assemblies for connecting rod 74 (above) and rod 76 (below) between the upright bars 22 and 24.

Detailed sections of the components 190 that fit to upright bars 24 and 22 where the swing arms 42, 44 attach are respectively shown. Generally rods 74 can be fitted (not essential) between the components 190 across the space or gap 25 at positions 1 and 3 (numbers shown in circles). Similar components 190 can be used for attachment of rods 62 to 68 to the upright bars 22, 24. In each component 190 there is an axle 192 that is fitted to the upright bars 22 and 24 in a housing 194. At an outer end of the shaft 192 there is a threaded portion 198 which is adapted to receive a threaded portion on handle or lobe nut 199. The axle 192 extends through a bush 200, that doubles as a bumper, while the outer end 197 of the lobe nut 199 extends partly into bumper 200. A bumper spacer 207 spaces each bumper 200 away from the upright bar 22 or 24. Each bumper 200 is designed to impact against the protuberances 137, 139, 141 and 143 to limit the extended movement of the swing arms 42, 44 (or 130, 132) when in use. Loosening and tightening of the component 190 can be achieved through rotation of the handle or lobe nut 199, in order to move of the component 190 and/or a respective rod so that it can be moved to another position along the upright stand 12 or removed entirely.

At position 2 (number shown in a circle) there are shown components 191 that make up connection points 131, 133 for connecting swing arms 42 and 44 (or 130 and 132) to upright bars 22 and 24 of upright portion or stand 12. Each connection point has an axle 202 connected to a respective upright bar 22, 24 through housing 204. At a threaded outer end 206 of the shaft 202 there is received a fastener 208 which fastens the swing arm (not shown) onto shaft 202, but enabling the swing arm to pivot on shaft 202. The fastener 208, typically a nut, should be tensioned until the swing arm is firm, but still able to swing freely. The bolt 202 is able to turn freely within the housing 204 while a boss 205 that houses each swing arm 42, 44 is able to turn freely on axle 202. Each axle 192 and 202 is an M12 socket head cap screw with an M12 nylon nut 199 or 208.

If the swing arms 42, 44 (or 130, 132) need to be positioned on another part of the upright bars 22, 24, for example moving the swing arm components 191 from position 2 to position 3 in FIG. 9A, then the components 190 are removed from position 3 (and installed one slot down the upright bars 22, 24. The components for the swing arms are connected at position 3 and then the components 190 at position 1 are moved down one slot to position 2. The swing arms 42, 44 can be set at up to three different heights at positions 1, 2 or 3.

Shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B are the components of any one of the punching pads shown in at least FIG. 1A, such as punching pad 32. The punching pad 210 is shown fully assembled in FIG. 10B. In FIG. 10A is shown the components of punching pad 210, including a cylindrically-shaped foam (or other soft material) covered in vinyl 212. The foam in vinyl is connected a base 218 made of plywood through a bolt 216 and washer 214 welded to the bolt 216. The stud extends through aperture 217 in base 218 and is threaded to receive a corresponding nut or lobe 220 that can be hand tightened, when attaching to cross member 30 or any one of the swing arms.

This exercise apparatus provides a user, from beginner to advanced, with multiple configurations, a huge range of routines, exercises and combinations of equipment to use. The apparatus is suitable for all levels of fitness, from beginner to advanced. Not only can it be used for fitness and training, but can improve skills in martial arts and self-defence, provide weight loss, abdominal muscle workouts, improved mobility and cardio-vascular systems. There is no need to another person holding a pad or pads for the user, which can come with a cost to the user. The apparatus provides the option to double up and train against another person, which can reduce the cost of using the machine and two people can use the apparatus at the same time. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Exercise apparatus including: an upright portion; a base portion attached to the upright portion; a plurality of punching pads; and support means connectable to the upright portion for supporting said plurality of punching pads; wherein said plurality of punching pads are positioned to enable a user to direct different types of punches to the punching pads.
 2. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support means is a cross member adapted to connect to the upright portion transversely in one of several positions along said upright portion.
 3. Exercise apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said cross member has a central portion and first and second arms extending from said central portion, each of the central portion and first and second arms adapted to retain said punching pads in different positions thereon.
 4. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support means is at least one swing arm adapted to pivot with respect to a connection point to the upright portion, said at least one swing arm adapted to retain said punching pads in different positions thereon.
 5. Exercise apparatus according to claim 4 further including at least one resistance member attachable between a respective swing arm and the upright portion, said at least one resistance member being resilient such that after movement of the swing arm, by the user punching a pad attached to the swing arm, the swing arm is able to return to its former position.
 6. Exercise apparatus according to claim 5 wherein each resistance member is adapted to be placed at different positions on the upright portion in order to change the resistance of the swing arm to move.
 7. Exercise apparatus according to claim 4 further including resilient element means fitted to the base portion to enable the upright portion to deflect about a pivot point in one direction and an opposite direction when the user hits the punching pads, each of said directions being transverse to a longitudinal axis of the upright portion.
 8. Exercise apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the base portion has two longitudinal portions substantially parallel to one another, with one of the portions pivotable about a pivot point adjacent where the upright portion attaches to the base portion, the resilient element means formed of a spring located at each end of the longitudinal portions and connecting the longitudinal portions together, so that the upright portion is able to move in said one direction and said opposite direction when the user is using the apparatus.
 9. Exercise apparatus according to claim 8 wherein stopper means is variably located between the two longitudinal portions of the base portion to alter the degree to which the upright portion rotationally moves in said one direction and said opposite direction.
 10. Exercise apparatus according to claim 4 further including a bench and a pair of foot rests adapted to fit to the upright portion to enable a user to perform an exercise to work the user's abdominal region and hit any one or more of the punching pads in one routine.
 11. Exercise apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the routine is the user hooking his/her feet against a respective foot rest, lying back on the top surface of the bench that is inclined, the user then sitting up and punching the pads and then lying back again against the top surface of the bench and repeating the routine.
 12. Exercise apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said upright portion is a stand and has first and second upright bars substantially parallel to one another and extending from the base portion, said apparatus further including a series of rods connectable in a series of positions transverse to and between the upright bars.
 13. Exercise apparatus according to claim 12 wherein each resistance member is attached between one rod in said series of rods and a clip located on one of the swing arms.
 14. Exercise apparatus according to claim 4 further including a duck arm assembly, fitted to said at least one swing arm, said duck assembly adapted to move when said at least one swing arm moves by pivoting with respect to the upright portion.
 15. Exercise apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said duck arm assembly has an elbow and locating plate at an end that is fitted to the at least one swing arm, said locating plate having a series of apertures that enable connection of the duck arm assembly to the at least one swing arm and resulting in different orientations of the duck arm assembly.
 16. Exercise apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said at least one swing arm has one or more punching pads connected thereto arranged on either side of the connection point to the upright portion, such that two users are able to stand on opposite sides of the upright portion and alternately hit respective punching pads.
 17. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1 further including a stay connected to the upright portion at an inclined angle and having a joint at either or both ends that enables movement of the stay when the apparatus is used by a user.
 18. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support means includes a cross member, adapted to connect to the upright portion transversely in one of several positions along said upright portion, and further includes at least one swing arm adapted to pivot with respect to a connection point to the upright portion, said at least one swing arm adapted to retain said punching pads in different positions thereon. 